WASHINGTON, DC -- The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) congratulates the House of Representatives for passing the DREAM Act today by a vote of 216 to 198. With their yea votes, members of Congress showed a willingness to help hundreds of thousands of high achieving young immigrants to pursue the American dream and contribute to their communities and the country. This legislative action demonstrates that bipartisanship can trump political gamesmanship. With the House passage of DREAM, we are one step closer to fixing the broken immigration system, one step closer to strengthening our economy, and one step closer to making this country a better place for all Americans.

“As immigration attorneys, we are all familiar with the heart breaking cases of young people who hit a roadblock because of their status. It is gratifying to know that the DREAM Act is moving forward because this is the only relief our clients have,” said AILA President David Leopold. “The bill is good for the country because it will keep America competitive, provide a boost to our economy, and strengthen our national security.”

AILA calls upon the Senate to pass the DREAM Act tomorrow morning when it is scheduled for a vote. If the DREAM Act becomes law, the bill will provide a conditional pathway to legal permanent residence for certain unauthorized youth who, as children, were brought to the U.S. if they: complete high school; demonstrate good moral character; and complete at least two years of higher education or serve for at least two years in the U.S. military. Studies have shown that these promising youth would contribute more than $1 trillion to the economy during their lifetimes in reported taxable income.

If Congress passes the DREAM Act, it will have enacted two major immigration bills in 2010. The other was the $600 million border security and interior enforcement law enacted in August.

By passing DREAM Congress will show that it can work together to address an issue Americans have overwhelming said they want leaders to fix.

“This is a win for America and American values. The DREAM Act upholds fairness and does not punish the children for the faults of their parents. AILA hopes that this action catapults the 112th Congress to tackle the broken immigration system,” Leopold concluded.

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The American Immigration Lawyers Association is the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.